Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments and Keratoconus Progression: A Case Series Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Science

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia affecting young individuals.
• Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) are used to improve visual acuity in KC patients.
• The impact of ICRS implantation on KC progression remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) on the progression of keratoconus (KC).
• To compare KC progression in young patients who received ICRS implantation versus a control group of untreated KC patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, longitudinal, observational, controlled nonrandomized case series.
• Included young keratoconus patients (≤25 years) with ≥3 years follow-up post-ICRS implantation.
• Compared with age-matched, treatment-naive keratoconus controls using Pentacam imaging data.

Main Results:

• The study included 20 eyes of 18 ICRS cases and 30 eyes of 24 controls.
• Mean follow-up was approximately 4.5-4.9 years.
• Four ICRS cases and two controls met criteria for keratoconus progression, showing no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) did not demonstrate a significant impact on keratoconus progression in this cohort.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects of ICRS on KC disease trajectory.